They have their own co-op store near Trujillo on the main road into town.  Many of the craft workers live in the village of Guadalupe Carney, a settlement of squatters who just received their land titles. In 2000, this group of people came from roadsides all over Honduras to lay claim to this land that the government had put aside for land reform.

They are living in dirt huts with thatched roofs, no electricity or plumbing.  They are a very well organized community with a health center, local bank, agriculture store, carpentry shop,  bakery, sewing center (great bags made here!), schools, a creamery making cheese and cream, a cow project, and fish ponds raising tilapia.  [click here to see more on the various projects ongoing in the village]

They welcome visitors to visit the village. This is one of the largest land reform movements in Central America.

Scott and Diane Karper are missionaries with Christian Veterinary Mission.  While Scott, the vet, is working with the farmers, Diane is working with the wives and others who want to learn new craft skills.  After years of selling from suitcases in hotels, this group was given money for building a beautiful store of their own to sell from.  They are new at everything, since most have not been to school and don’t read or write…or do math!  But they are determined to have a better life, and they see this as an avenue with great possibilities.

Thanks for helping these folks to feed their families and make a living for themselves. All money goes DIRECTLY back to the artist…no middleman. True FAIR TRADE.